First Week in March
On March 9, 1981, the Chicago White Sox signed prized free-agent catcher Carlton Fisk, who had batted .289 with 18 home runs for the Boston Red Sox in 1980. The future Hall of Fame receiver had been declared a free agent in February after the Red Sox had failed to mail him a contract by the deadline imposed under the Basic Agreement. Fisk would remain with the White Sox for the rest of his career, helping the White Sox to the American League West title in 1983. Ten years later, he played in his 2,226th game behind the plate, breaking Bob Boone's career record for most games played by a catcher.